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A 36-Hour Pet-Friendly Adventure in Asheville, NC
I’ve visited Asheville a couple of times before, but this trip was special because I got to explore Downtown Asheville a little more with my dog, Kuma. Asheville is known as “Dog City USA,” so I was eager to discover the pet-friendly gems this charming town had to offer. Kuma was excited too, especially since it was her first time in Asheville!
The main reason for the trip? To see my favorite band, Interpol, perform live. I’ve been a die-hard fan for over 10 years, and when I saw they weren’t stopping in Florida this time, I decided to make a road trip to see them. The next stop on their tour was Asheville, a 9.5-hour drive from Tampa, but with Kuma as my travel buddy, I knew it would be an adventure we could both enjoy.
Friday: Getting Settled in Asheville
5 PM – Checking In to Kimpton Hotel Arras
We arrived at Kimpton Hotel Arras around 5 PM. From the moment we walked in, the staff was super friendly, and Kuma got tons of attention. One of the great things about Kimpton hotels is that they are incredibly pet-friendly—all pets stay for free, no matter the size or breed. It’s a relief for pet owners like me!
I chose Kimpton Hotel Arras because it’s in the heart of downtown, just a short walk from the concert venue. I didn’t want to worry about parking or driving after the show, and I knew it would be easy to explore the area on foot with Kuma. The room we got was amazing—spacious with a gorgeous view of downtown Asheville and the mountains in the background. Kuma loved sitting by the window and watching the people below.
6 PM – Visit to Dog Door
After settling in, we went for a 10-minute walk to Dog Door, a unique spot where dogs are treated like royalty. It’s not just a pet store but a dog behavioral center and a dog-friendly welcome center. They had free brochures with dog-friendly activities around Asheville, so I grabbed one to see what other fun things we could do with Kuma. The staff noticed Kuma and gave her a treat, which she loved!
7 PM – Dinner at Twisted Laurel
Afterward, we headed to Twisted Laurel, a pet-friendly restaurant with outdoor seating. Although I had read about a dog-friendly menu, we didn’t get one during our visit. The music was a little loud (there was a festival going on nearby), so I just wanted to eat quickly and head back to the hotel to relax. Still, the food was good, and it was great to enjoy a meal with Kuma by my side.
Saturday: A Day of Exploring Asheville
9 AM – Breakfast at Bargello
I wanted to try Mayfel’s for breakfast, but they didn’t open until 10 AM, so I decided to eat at Bargello inside the hotel instead. The service was great, and while the omelet was tasty, the portion size was a bit small for the price. I did enjoy the quiet outdoor seating—it was a perfect spot to start the day.
10 AM – Patton Avenue Pet Company
Kuma had already received a goodie bag from Patton Avenue Pet Company when we checked in, which included some delicious Brew-Yahs treats. Kuma loved them, so I decided to stop by Patton Avenue Pet Co. to get more. The store was super spacious and well-stocked with everything a pet could need, and the staff was really friendly. I even learned they sold the treats online, so I made sure to grab a few extra for the road.
11 AM – Malaprop’s Bookstore
I’m not much of a reader these days, but I love visiting local bookstores, and Malaprop’s Bookstore caught my eye. They have a cool section called “Blind Date with a Book”, where books are wrapped in brown paper with a brief description on the front. It’s like a mystery gift, and I had to buy one to see what it was all about!
The store manager noticed Kuma and offered her a “reward” (not using the word “treat” so Kuma wouldn’t get too excited). Kuma loved the attention, and it was nice to see such pet-friendly spots in Asheville.
12 PM – Kress Emporium
Next, we wandered into Kress Emporium, which houses several shops selling local art and crafts from over 80 artists. It’s a great spot to pick up unique gifts or home decor. I loved browsing the various items, and Kuma enjoyed exploring the space with me.
1 PM – Hazel Twenty Boutique
We then visited Hazel Twenty, a trendy boutique offering stylish clothing and accessories. Kuma was particularly excited to meet Maisie, the store’s friendly dog, who roams the shop greeting customers. And of course, Kuma received yet another treat from the staff. The boutique had some great pieces, and I ended up trying on a few outfits before we moved on.
2 PM – Farm Burger
After a little shopping, I wanted to grab lunch at Farm Burger since it’s known for being pet-friendly. Unfortunately, it was so busy that the staff never came outside to greet customers, so I decided to order through Uber Eats instead. The grass-fed burgers were delicious, and I can see why Farm Burger is so popular.
3:30 PM – Interpol Concert at Rabbit Rabbit
The highlight of the trip was, of course, seeing Interpol live at Rabbit Rabbit, which was only a 10-minute walk from our hotel. I was lucky enough to score an early entry pass, which meant I got a front-row spot for the show. The venue was great, though I wish the front row was a little closer to the stage. Still, it was an unforgettable concert, and I was thrilled to be there!
If I hadn’t been at the concert, I would’ve checked out one of Asheville’s famous breweries, like Wicked Weed Brewing, or visited Citizen Vinyl, a cool cafe, bar, and record shop.
10 PM – District 42 at Kimpton Hotel Arras
After the concert, I returned to the hotel, where the District 42 bar was buzzing with activity. It had a great vibe, and people were enjoying the music and the lively atmosphere. Kuma and I took a short walk outside while soaking up the energy from the bar before heading back to the room for the night.
Sunday: Wrapping Up Our Asheville Adventure
8 AM – Breakfast at Early Girl Eatery
The next morning, I wanted to get an early breakfast, and Early Girl Eatery opened at 8 AM. I headed over for pancakes, grits, and bacon, and it was delicious. By the time I left, there was a long line out the door, so it’s definitely a popular spot in Asheville!
10 AM – Downtown Asheville Murals
Asheville is known for its artistic vibe, and I couldn’t leave without checking out some of the stunning murals around downtown. One of my favorites was the Daydreamer mural at the Aloft parking garage, and there was even a cute red double-decker bus selling coffee and desserts nearby. If I wasn’t already full from breakfast, I definitely would have stopped for a treat!
FAQs
1. Is Asheville really dog-friendly?
Yes! Asheville is known as “Dog City USA”, and it offers many pet-friendly activities, from dog-friendly restaurants to local attractions.
2. Where did you stay in Asheville?
We stayed at Kimpton Hotel Arras, which is centrally located and very pet-friendly. Pets stay for free, and there are no size or breed restrictions.
3. What did you do with your dog in Asheville?
We explored pet-friendly spots like Dog Door, Patton Avenue Pet Company, and Hazel Twenty Boutique, and we also visited local art galleries and murals.
4. What was the highlight of your trip?
The highlight was seeing Interpol perform live at Rabbit Rabbit. It was an amazing concert, and I was thrilled to have a front-row spot.
5. What are some pet-friendly restaurants in Asheville?
Some great pet-friendly restaurants include Twisted Laurel, Farm Burger, and Bargello. Asheville is full of spots that welcome pets!
Conclusion
Asheville is a wonderful destination for both you and your pet. With its dog-friendly atmosphere, vibrant arts scene, and stunning mountain views, it’s a place that caters to everyone. I highly recommend visiting if you’re traveling with your dog, and staying at Kimpton Hotel Arras made it an even more enjoyable experience. Whether you’re attending a concert, exploring the downtown area, or just soaking in the local charm, Asheville has something for everyone!